Lead Java Software Engineer Jobs

Discover Lead Java Software Engineer opportunities for experienced developers ready to guide teams and shape complex software systems. These roles combine hands-on Java development with technical leadership, architectural decision-making, and collaboration across product and engineering teams. Explore vetted positions with salaries of $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does a Lead Java Software Engineer Do?

Lead Java Software Engineers design, build, and maintain applications while helping set engineering standards and delivery direction. They may lead code reviews, mentor developers, break down technical requirements, and coordinate with stakeholders to deliver reliable software. Depending on the organization, the role can emphasize backend services, distributed systems, cloud platforms, or enterprise applications.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers typically seek substantial Java experience and a strong understanding of object-oriented design, data structures, APIs, and software development practices. Familiarity with frameworks such as Spring, databases, testing approaches, and cloud or distributed-system architecture is often valuable. Communication, prioritization, mentoring, and the ability to make sound technical decisions are also important for a lead role.

Career Opportunities and Compensation

Lead Java Software Engineers work across industries including financial services, healthcare, technology, retail, and enterprise software. Career paths may lead to roles such as Principal Engineer, Software Architect, or Engineering Manager, depending on a professional’s strengths and goals. Browse Ladders for vetted Lead Java Software Engineer jobs paying $100,000 or more and find opportunities aligned with your experience.

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$176K - $262K *

Join a dynamic Cloud Platform team to enhance core infrastructure, enabling diverse workloads. Collaborate with engineers to drive innovation, improve processes, and support developers in building nex...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$80K - $95K *

Drive the QA function for integrating multiple products, collaborating with teams to create and execute test plans, develop automation agents, and enhance lab environments for optimal product validati...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Telecommunications & Hardware

$169K - $201K *

Drive your career forward by developing systems and tools to enhance fleet efficiency. Collaborate with teams to automate processes, diagnose issues, and support critical infrastructure within a dynam...

1 month ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$118K - $130K *

Explore a dynamic role at the intersection of multiphysics simulation and AI, validating high-fidelity datasets for machine learning. Collaborate with R&D to ensure data integrity and optimize predict...

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$196K - $243K *

Unlock potential by architecting high-performance data systems that power analytics and streamline workflows. Collaborate across teams to build scalable solutions and mentor junior engineers, shaping...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$138K - $165K *

Lead the charge in delivering innovative cost basis management solutions, driving architecture decisions, mentoring peers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance platform reliability...

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Finance & Insurance

$83K - $115K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of scalable web applications. Shape front-end architecture, enhance user experience, and collaborate with teams to deliver impactful features that drive per...

Ontario, CARemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$80K - $95K *

Join a dynamic team to design and implement automated testing solutions, ensuring quality across integrated hardware and software systems. Collaborate in an Agile environment, enhancing CI/CD processe...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$95K - $115K *

Unlock your potential by designing and maintaining automated tests for integrated hardware and software systems. Collaborate in an Agile environment to enhance CI/CD processes and ensure quality acros...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$143K - $194K *

Optimize developer productivity by designing scalable software solutions, integrating generative AI, and enhancing system performance. Collaborate with teams to impact millions of users through innova...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$68K - $131K *

Shape the future of avionics by developing innovative software tools and infrastructure. Collaborate with engineers to enhance automation and efficiency in software development, ensuring high-quality...

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$115K - $120K *

Elevate software quality by managing test planning, execution, and reporting. Collaborate with development teams, mentor junior testers, and ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards while drivin...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$168K - $227K *

Pioneer innovative software solutions that impact millions, leading design and development while mentoring engineers. Collaborate across teams to tackle complex challenges and drive best practices for...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$80K - $95K *

Engage in developing an innovative, database-driven software platform, tackling complex systems while managing multiple projects. We're looking for a problem solver eager to expand their skills and be...

Reposted yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$88K - $105K *

Lead the charge in ensuring software quality by validating workflows, integrations, and business rules. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test cases, execute testing, and support auto...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$90K - $110K *

Optimize software quality by validating workflows and integrations through comprehensive testing. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust test coverage, automate processes, and suppor...

Chicago, ILRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$172K - $349K *

Partner with us to enhance quality engineering for large-scale networking solutions. Drive automation, validate complex systems, and mentor teams to elevate product reliability and customer satisfacti...

Reposted 2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$145K - $175K *

Transform infrastructure by building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, automation, and tooling to enhance engineering productivity and operational excellence in a fast-paced environment...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Healthcare

$80K - $125K *

Optimize system reliability by monitoring critical applications, troubleshooting incidents, and collaborating with technical teams to ensure seamless operations. Join a mission-driven team dedicated t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$150K - $230K *

Join our team to design, develop, and deploy scalable AWS-native applications. Leverage your cloud and DevOps expertise to enhance system performance and security while collaborating with cross-functi...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Business Services

$114K - $191K *

Drive the design and operation of high-scale, event-driven backend services, ensuring seamless shipment and delivery data processing across multiple regions while enhancing operational excellence and...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$130K - $200K *

Drive the development of innovative educational products by collaborating with engineers to build robust back-end systems and user interfaces, ensuring high-quality software delivery through effective...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$153K - $196K *

Collaborate with engineers to enhance scalable systems using AI and ML. Drive reliability improvements and tackle complex technical challenges while contributing to infrastructure that supports signif...

6 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$196K - $243K *

Optimize global fleet provisioning and management systems at scale, lead the charge in deploying cutting-edge hardware, and unify workflows for rapid infrastructure readiness across diverse environmen...

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

$127K - $172K *

Help us enhance serviceability for liquid cooling in AWS data centers. You'll define maintenance protocols, collaborate with teams, and drive continuous improvement to ensure operational readiness and...

1 week ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Retail & Consumer Goods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a Lead Java Software Engineer do?question toggle

    A Lead Java Software Engineer develops Java-based systems and provides technical direction for a team or project. Responsibilities can include system design, coding, code reviews, mentoring, and coordinating delivery with product and engineering partners.

  • What qualifications are common for Lead Java Software Engineer jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for extensive Java development experience, knowledge of software architecture and APIs, and familiarity with tools and frameworks such as Spring. Leadership, communication, mentoring, and collaborative problem-solving skills are also important.

  • How much do Lead Java Software Engineers earn?question toggle

    Compensation varies by employer, location, industry, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional roles paying $100,000 or more, so candidates can explore opportunities in that salary range.

  • What career paths can follow a Lead Java Software Engineer role?question toggle

    Potential next steps include Principal Engineer, Software Architect, Engineering Manager, or other senior technical leadership roles. The best path depends on whether you want to deepen technical expertise or focus more on people and organizational leadership.